Netanyahu: Deal will progress when Hamas drops "delusional" demands
The Prime Minister addressed the question of ongoing negotiations for a hostage deal, saying that this will only happen when Hamas lets go of its demand of a complete cessation of the war.
Having previously explained that he was not continuing negotiations with Hamas due to their "delusional" demand that Israel stop fighting entirely, the Prime Minister explained his logic further in a subsequent statement:
"This week we freed two of our hostages in a brilliant military operation. As of now we have freed 112 of our hostages in a combination of strong military pressure and tough negotiations.
"This is also the key to freeing more of our hostages: Strong military pressure and very tough negotiations.
"Indeed, I insist that Hamas drop its delusional demands. When they do so, we will be able to move forward."